California Medical Assistant Schools.

California is the most heavily populated state in the United States, and continues to grow in popularity due to its mild warm weather and beautiful scenery. Located on the west coast on the Pacific Ocean, California is home to two of the largest cities in the world, Los Angeles and San Francisco. The landscape is varied and includes mountain ranges in the Sierras, the Mojave Desert, majestic Redwood trees to the north, and a large beachside community. The California Gold Rush marked this state on the map and its presence continues to glisten and shine. The state is home to some of the most notable universities, colleges, and medical schools in the country. Prominent medical assistant schools in California are on the rise due to the increased trend in health care and the demands required to service a growing community.

California is home to the Santa Rosa campus of Empire College. The college offers medical assistant training programs in career focused concentrations including phlebotomy, medical transcription, medical billing and coding, medical administration, clinic medical assistant training, and a specialized associate degree as a medical assistant. The hands-on training accompanied with a skilled career placement service department allows students to achieve employment at a quicker rate than those graduating with little to no guidance.

Finding a Legitimate Medical Assisting School

Medical assistants receive their training at a variety of schools which include vocational schools, community or junior colleges, technical institutes, and online programs. To become a certified medical assistant (CMA) with marketable skills that will help secure a good paying job, it is necessary to find a suitable medical assisting school.

When sifting through available medical assisting programs, keep these 10 simple tips in mind:

1. Compile a List

Visit potential employers to establish a rapport, and determine if they have any preferences in curriculums or schools. Future employers can be a great source of information on what to expect in the workplace. Speak with current CMAs about their educational experiences. As graduates of a program, they have a better insight of what to look for and what to avoid. Finally, use Internet searches to help compile a list of possible medical assistant schools.

2. Narrow by Location

Decide on a preferable location using criteria such as rural or urban setting, climate, or school size. It is beneficial to find a local school. If the school offers a job placement program, the chances of getting a job after graduation are much higher.

3. Admission Standards

Choose a suitable program with admission requirements that match your completed classes or programs. Find ways to fulfill what is needed to meet the outlined program's standards.

4. Tuition and Financial Aid

Grants, loans, and financial aid can help defray the cost. Remember - a pricey school doesn't necessarily mean a better program!

5. Career Placement Services

How many graduates from a particular school get jobs? Does the school have internship or externship programs? This information is important when determining the effectiveness of a school's placement service, and ultimately its education and training.

6. Standards and Expectations

A school is only as good as its teachers. Devise a scheme that allows for unbiased comparison between different schools and their faculty. This scheme could include the faculties academic background and work experience, and whether or not they are expected to take continuing education credits.

7. Innovativeness and Competitiveness

Does the school have state-of-the-art facilities and teaches the newest technologies? There is no point in learning outdated techniques and on outdated equipment.

9. Rank and Reputation

10. Class Size

This is personal preference as some people prefer the intimate setting of smaller classes while others prefer larger schools.

Once the list is narrowed to a few possible schools, plan on visiting the short-listed schools. While at the school, talk to students and teachers, and get a better feel of the program. Since visiting schools is expensive, it is recommended that the list be narrowed to three final schools. Looking for a school may seem like a daunting task, but it is worth the time and financial investment to find a school that educates more marketable CMAs.

Offers several scholarship and financial aid opportunities for students who qualify.

California campuses accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), and accreditation for the Salem campus from the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET).

4 Campuses located in Clovis, Modesto, and Redding in California, and Salem, Oregon.

Trident University International provides an exceptional online educational experience for its students – diverse adult learners including current and former members of the military family. Adhering to the highest standards of academic excellence, faculty and staff foster a learning community where students develop critical thinking and problem solving skills to enhance their lives and advance their careers.